The Labour Party, under the leadership of Acting National Chairman Senator Nenadi Usman, has dismissed claims that the party plans to expel its 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi.
A former factional National Publicity Secretary, Abayomi Arabambi, had earlier stated on a live television programme that the party would soon convene a National Executive Council (NEC) meeting to expel Obi over his involvement in an opposition coalition.
However, in a statement signed by Ken Eluma Asogwa, Senior Special Adviser to the Acting Chairman, the party described those making the claim as “political jesters” with no legitimate ties to the Labour Party.
“The attention of the Labour Party has been drawn to plans by a group of political jesters – unknown to the Party but parading themselves as members – to convene a kangaroo meeting aimed at creating confusion and mischief in the ongoing coalition efforts involving Mr Peter Obi,” the statement read.
It further noted that these individuals were working for unnamed interests and had no legal authority to act on behalf of the Labour Party.
The party urged Nigerians to disregard the pronouncements of what it called “meddlesome interlopers”, adding that Obi’s involvement in coalition talks had the full support of the Labour Party’s leadership.
“The Labour Party made it clear, in a widely circulated statement issued on 25 May 2025, that Mr Obi’s participation in the coalition talks enjoys the full backing of the party’s leadership,” Asogwa reiterated.
He described the recent threats of expulsion as “the last kick of a dying horse”, claiming those behind the move had long lost relevance and authority.
Referring to a Supreme Court judgement delivered on 4 April 2025, the statement pointed out that the tenure of the individuals making the expulsion threat had long expired.
“The public should treat any statement from these impostors as null and void,” it said.
The party encouraged the media and the public to verify any information about its activities only through the office of the Acting National Chairman, Senator Nenadi Usman.